Ireland is no stranger to a political dynasty or two – they tend to be durable and astonishingly successful (look no further than the Healy-Raes).
But a new dynasty, born this week, is set to be a first for Irish politics.
Outspoken TD Kate O’Connell, a first time TD in Dublin Bay South, has been joined on the roster of Fine Gael’s selection candidates who will vie for a Dáil seat in the next General Election.
Her sister Mary Newman has been added to the party’s ticket in Tipperary, alongside Garret Ahearn.
Should she be elected Mary will be the third sister in the corridors of power at Leinster House because Theresa works as a parliamentary assistant for Kate.
There has been some speculation that Theresa herself may run in the local elections next year but she has laughed it off, commenting rhe hasn’t considered it, focusing instead on returning her two sisters when the country goes to the polls.
And for Mary it will be no easy feat. Fine Gael returned no TDs in the constituency when the country last took to the polls and it is generally seen as one where the incumbents, among them Michael Lowry and Alan Kelly, will be difficult to unseat.
Mary, a vet who now works in a…
